CRIJ1310

Fundamentals of Criminal Law

CRIJ 1310

Updated August 30, 2011

State Approval Code:2201015300

Semester Credit Hours:3

Lecture Hours per Week:3

Contact Hours per Semester:48

Catalog Description

Study of criminal law, its philosophical and historical development, major definitions
and concepts, classifications and elements of crime, penalties using Texas statutes
as illustrations, and criminal responsibility.

Course Curriculum

Basic Intellectual Compentencies in the Core Curriculum

Reading

Speaking

Listening

Critical thinking

Perspectives in the Core Curriculum

Establish broad and multiple perspectives on the individual in relationship to the
larger society and world in which he/she lives, and to understand the responsibilities
of living in a culturally and ethnically diversified world.

Stimulate a capacity to discuss and reflect upon individual, political, economic,
and social aspects of life in order to understand ways in which to be a responsible
member of society.

Develop personal values for ethical behavior.

Develop the ability to make aesthetic judgments.

Use logical reasoning in problem solving.

Core Components and Related Exemplary Educational Objectives

Communication (composition, speech, modern language)

To participate effectively in groups with emphasis on listening, critical and reflective
thinking, and responding.

To understand and apply basic principles of proficiency in the development of exposition
and argument.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

To examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods,
social structures, and cultures.

To use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.

To develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary
social issues.

To analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global
forces on the area under study.

To analyze, critically assess, and develop creative solutions to public policy problems.

To recognize and assume one's responsibility as a citizen in a democratic society
by learning to think for oneself, by engaging in public discourse, and by obtaining
information through the news 4 media and other appropriate information sources about
politics and public policy.

Instructional Goals and Purposes

Panola College's instructional goals include 1) creating an academic atmosphere in
which students may develop their intellects and skills and 2) providing courses so
students may receive a certificate/an associate degree or transfer to a senior institution
that offers baccalaureate degrees.

General Course Objectives

1. Explain the historical and philosophical development of the nature of criminal
law2. List the elements of crimes using the Texas statutes as an illustration3. Discuss criminal responsibilities as they apply to the criminal statutes.

Specific Course Objectives

1. Identify and define the nature of criminal law (interprets and communicates information)2. Define and discuss the philosophical and historical development of criminal law
(listens, speaks)3. Identify, define, and discuss major definitions and concepts in criminal law (reading,
listening and speaking)4. Explain and interpret the classification of crime (interprets and communicates
information)5. Identify and explain the elements of crimes and penalties. (reading, writing, listening
and speaking)6. Define and explain criminal responsibility. (interprets and communicates information)

General Description of Each Lecture or Discussion

See General Course Objectives

Methods of Instruction/Course Format/Delivery

The course is predominately lecture on theory and practice within the varying aspects
of a Criminal Justice career field and the study of Texas Criminal Case law.

Assessment

Students will be graded on three major written objective tests for the majority of
theirgrade. A subjective portion will be derived from class participation, class attendance,
and preparedness for the class material.

Your grade will be determined from:1. Three written objective test counting for 20% each (60% total)2. An objective final exam worth 20%3. Class participation and attendance graded subjectively for 20%

Panola College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees and certificates of completions. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Panola College.

Panola College is an Equal Opportunity Institution that provides educational and employment opportunities on the basis of merit and without discrimination because of race, color,religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or genetic information.

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